Christopher Plummer wins the 2015 Sam Wanamaker award

Christopher Plummer has won the 2015 Sam Wanamaker award, which is given to celebrate work that has increased the understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

The award is presented by Shakespeare’s Globe and has been given to Plummer in celebration of his acting career, which has included portrayals of roles such as Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Henry V and Iago.

Canadian-born Plummer also supported Wanamaker’s campaign to recreate the Globe on London’s Bankside and has since become patron of the Globe’s centres in the US and Canada.

Plummer said: “I look at the Globe Theatre today, proudly restored, and I think how easy it is to forget the long, hard struggle; how one man kept circling the planet, mostly alone, to raise the necessary funds.”

He added: “Sam knew of my devotion to the Globe and South Bank projects and very generously invited me on to his board. I was never so honoured – and now this. I am moved beyond measure, not just for this, but for Sam, that extraordinary fighter who won the battle for us all.”

The award was established in 1994 and past recipients include Royal Shakespeare Company founder John Barton, Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and actor Mark Rylance.

Neil Constable, chief executive of the Globe, said: “Christopher has illuminated the world’s understanding of Shakespeare through many memorable performances. He gave unswerving support to Sam Wanamaker, has been an active fundraiser for reconstructing the Globe on Bankside and also strengthened Globe links between London, Canada and the US.”

Plummer will be presented with the award in November in Toronto, as part of a gala to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Shakespeare’s Globe Centre of Canada.